Inventory of intangible culture of craftsmanship in the core of Historic Cairo

Financial assistance:
- US$ 86,950 granted in 2020
Dates of implementation:
- 18/08/2021 - 15/09/2023
Documents:
- Request form ICH-04: English|French
- Budget and timetable: English|French
- Progress report 2: English
- Progress report 1: English
- Final report: English

Benefitting country(ies): Egypt

Overview:

Implemented by the Egyptian Society for Folk Traditions (ESFT), this project aimed at preparing a community-based inventory of twenty types of crafts produced in the historic areas of Cairo, known as Historic Cairo, a World Heritage property under the 1972 Convention. Previous initiatives provide a useful starting point, particularly for noting the traditional crafts that have already vanished, along with the decline of knowledge, skills and values of the other crafts still present. However, this project adopted a different, holistic methodology in line with the 2003 Convention. It had a notable impact on living heritage in the area through several expected results. Knowledge related to these twenty living traditional crafts was identified, inventoried, safeguarded and transmitted with the widest possible participation of the practitioners concerned. Twenty practitioners concerned with traditional craftsmanship in two districts of Historic Cairo were trained to produce an inventory of intangible practices and knowledge of traditional crafts through five training sessions. Approximately sixty practitioners were interviewed and informed about the 2003 Convention and its principles, as well as about inventorying and its crucial role in safeguarding living heritage. An online inventory of traditional knowledge related to these crafts shall be maintained and made accessible to the communities, and inventorying shall be promoted as an important tool in the long-term safeguarding process. The deliverables of the project were disseminated through a website, a public inauguration event, a handicrafts exhibition and a final report. Lastly, synergies were established between key leaders in the cultural field and the community to identify potential areas for future actions.

News and activities:

10/03/2022 - 29/09/2023 – Strengthening capacities for the implementation of the 2003 Convention for the safeguarding of the intangible cultural heritage in Antigua and Barbuda 05/05/2021 - 17/07/2023 – Updating of the 2009 inventory of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in Burundi with the participation of the communities